Did you feel it?

Not the icy reception selectmen’s and other boards’ decisions in any of our towns receive sometimes. That can happen any time of year.

This was the other night. A cold wind blew. 

We knew it was coming, by the calendar and the changing leaves. But some (read “all”) summers are too short. And this year’s was no exception. This week, by the calendar and nature, fall came. But just as 50 is the new 40, fall can be the new summer.

Been wearing short sleeves around? Keep wearing them. Just move more quickly if possible, to warm up quicker. Carrying a load also helps. So eschew taking tablets around to read on. Take real books, hard cover, the heavier the book, the better; either a saga or coffee table book will do, or philosophy. 

Don’t: Paint the leaves green.

Do: Take walks through, or sit by, woods with mostly evergreens. They looked like that this summer, too. It will continue the illusion.

Do: Eat a popsicle. Just eat it indoors.

Don’t: Take one more motorboat ride, just one. Just don’t.

Do: Shop for shorts. That is something you might do in summer, spring even. And they might be on sale now.

Don’t: Wear them. This is Maine!

Week’s positive parting thought, and an alternative to the above tips: Enjoy the foliage, sweaters optional!